So You Think it’s Walter Time in Oakland?

The Oakland Raiders were defeated by the Denver Broncos on Sunday 31-17. After being down 20-0 at one point, the game had blow out written all over it.

Throughout the game, the Raider faithful booed Kerry Collins at will as he was not able to lead the team to paydirt.

Let’s fast forward to the fourth quarter, the Raiders defense came up with two key stops which instilled new life in a sinking Raiders offense. But on offense, they were still missing one key ingredient, a quarterback who was able to run their potent, high powered offense. Although the Raiders fought back and were able to finally score 17 points, the following drive would eliminate any chance of a Raiders comeback. Kerry Collins made a horrible decision throwing the ball behind a wide open Jerry Porter, which turned into an 80 yard interception return for a touchdown. Even former Raider quarterback, now CBS announcer, Rich Gannon stated how a veteran quarterback such as Collins shouldn’t be making such throws and have a better awareness of his surroundings.

The Raiders fell to 3-6 and the Raider faithful are now seeking a replacement at quarterback. If the Raiders were to make a switch, common sense will tell you the job would go to second string quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo. But hold your horses for a second. Marques excels in a west coast offense where he can roll out, scramble and throw short to intermediate passes. That was the offense the Raiders were running when he was drafted out of Washington. Enter the Norv Turner era, the Raiders now run more of a power running game with a vertical, down the field type of offense. Would Marques excel in this new system? Probably not, which brings me to Andrew Walter, the Raiders third round pick (2005) out of Arizona State, a big, tall, strong arm pocket passer that is of the Drew Bledsoe mold. Is he the answer for the Raiders offensive problems? Most fans will say yes. But not so fast, several Raider players have spoken up for Kerry Collins.

Jerry Porter and LaMont Jordan are standing by their quartback and are tired of the boos from the Raider faithful.

These guys are ready to chop his head off,” receiver Jerry Porter said of the fans. “He makes a great play, he was supposed to. Give the guy a little love. He’s the Oakland Raiders’ starting quarterback. Treat him as such. Don’t treat him like he’s the visiting quarterback.”

Although a change at quarterback maybe the only option to turn this team around, I have to agree with the players on this one. As long as Kerry Collins is wearing the silver and black and has the support of his fellow teammates, this writer will follow their lead!